A TULLIBODY family is hoping to host a charity pageant in the Wee County this year, with everyone invited to take part.

Joanna Milne and her two daughters Alyssa and Abaigael believe that pageants can help confidence in young people, while also encouraging contestants to devote their time to needy causes in their community.

They also want to change the public's perception that such events are simply concerned with looks and certain body images.

The hope is that anyone and everyone will take part, have fun and feel a little better about themselves.

Mum Joanna said: "Some people still think you just have to be really pretty to be in these pageants, but that's not the case.

"It's so much more than that. It's about how you present yourself, but more importantly it's about building confidence.

"There's an awful lot pressure on young children these, especially girls, to look and act in a certain way. But this is about having fun and expressing yourself in whatever way you want to.

"I would quite like people who have never taken part in a pageant before to come forward.

"I think the newcomers who get involved will really enjoy it and, hopefully, we change a few minds about what a pageant should be."

For Joanna, charity work and raising awareness of good causes are a major part of events such as these.

Both Alyssa and Abaigael are familiar faces at pageants and often talk about being young carers for their mum.

Joanna said: "In the Miss Scotland Supreme competition, there is an interview round that's all about holding a conversation.

"Again, it's about showing confidence, but you're invited to speak about a passion. It's important to talk about experiences and draw awareness to a good cause.

"I don't always keep in the best of health, and so my two girls often talk about being young carers because they do help me out.

"It's certainly not like on TV where all they talk about is world peace."

The idea for a show was thought up as both Abaigael and Alyssa were entered into the Miss Scotland Supreme contest, which takes place in April.

By taking part in the show, the girls are asked to help raise money and awareness for the event's chosen charity The Brightest Star, which helps to support bereaved families in Scotland.

Though they won't be able to take part in Joanna's pageant, they will be helping out with preparations ahead of time.

They will be looking to secure a venue over the next few weeks, with a view to holding their event on Saturday, March 11.

Joanna said: "The more people that sign up, the more fun it will be. Everyone goes away with a crown and a sash.

"It's not just for kids, and it's not just for girls. Mums are more than welcome to enter and that goes for the boys too."

The event will likely have a two-round format: a formal gown or dress – or suit or kilt for the boys – followed by an outfit of choice.

Joanna added: "For the second round, the outfit can be anything you want; something that reflects your personality.

"If you want to dress up like Superman, then you dress up as Superman. Then of course you can show off a talent of yours, if you like."

For more information, visit the pageants' Facebook page by logging onto the site and searching for Express Yourself X.